Sunrise Side Excitment

New Wine Lover’s Getaway At Thunder Bay Resort

HILLMAN – A new Wine Lover’s Getaway has been introduced by Thunder Bay Resort featuring the wines of Michigan’s Sunrise Side Wine and Hops Trail. The three day – two night package features 4 tasting session with Sommelier Tom Fisher and/or winery owners. Guests sample 23 to 25 wines from five different wineries during the “Getaway” – paired with wonderful food offerings. Festivities begin with a dessert reception and tasting on the day of arrival, followed by a breakfast tasting session. The day is spent touring area attractions that vary with the season including choices like the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center at The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Lighthouses, a Shipwreck Boat Tour and the Besser Museum and Planetarium. All followed by the hor’dourves reception tasting and then the Resort’s award winning “Elk Viewing, Carriage Ride, Gourmet Dinner and Wine Tasting.”

According to Resort owner Jack Matthias “this is being developed as a shoulder season event for November, early December, April and May.” “The event is not weather dependent as we can keep people fully occupied and out of the weather for the entire time.” “We believe operators and coach companies typically have lots of capacity at those times of year, as do we” said Matthias “and we hope this will allow us all to increase our late fall and spring business.”

Jack goes on to say, “Of course we are happy to offer it in summer and winter as well. It would be a great seasonal pairing with an overnight stay on Mackinac Island especially with our partner hotels – The Lake View Hotel or the new Bicycle Street Inn.”

“We patterned this tour after the Wine Lover’s Weekends introduced last fall for individual travel. We had great results,” says Matthias – “and people had a wonderful time – we have had outstanding reviews and comments.”

Another new development has been the creation of a new Web site to help tour operators develop their tours to Michigan’s Sunrise Side and then use the site to help generate interest among potential guests. www.ThunderBayTours.com outlines many of the attractions in the region that can be incorporated into an itinerary. Sample itineraries are included. The Resort is not acting as a receptive operator – it is just a tool to help tour operators and groups they may be working with.

It also lists tour operators who bring tours to the region, so potential guests who find the website on their own can find an operator offering a tour. Operators considering a first trip to Thunder Bay Resort are encouraged to talk with any of the listed operators about their trips to the Resort and/or phone (800) 729-9375 to arrange a FAM visit. They may also find the Resort’s regular website useful www.ThunderBayResort.com Group Sales Director, Melanie Libby, can be contacted at Melanie@ThunderBayGolf.com or at 989-657-6911.